MAUTHAUSEN/STARNBERG, May 6, 2025

The fourth edition of the Danube Upper Austria Open powered by SKE once again proved why the ATP Challenger 100 tournament by the Danube has become one of the standout clay-court events in Central Europe. With thrilling matches, flawless organization, and strong performances from Austrian players—most notably Neil Oberleitner, who impressed with a quarterfinal run in singles and a semifinal appearance in doubles—the event delivered world-class tennis and plenty of emotion.

“We aim to get better every year—that’s our standard, and 2025 was clearly another step forward,” said tournament director Florian Leitgeb enthusiastically. “You can see the hard work paying off. Our tournament is developing incredibly well, and we’re inching closer to the big events. That motivates and strengthens us in what we do.”

The tournament concluded on a high note over the weekend, with Cristian Garin of Chile winning the singles title and the Austrian-Swiss duo of Nico Hipfl and Jerome Kym lifting the doubles trophy at the Danubis Tennis Center.

Technology Meets Top Stars

A major highlight this year was the introduction of Electronic Line Calling—making the event, after Vienna’s Stadthalle, the second tournament in Austria and one of the first at Challenger level to implement this technology. With 32 cameras per court delivering pinpoint accuracy, it created a professional atmosphere. For Neil Oberleitner, it was an unforgettable experience: “It really feels special. It’s like being on the ATP Tour—you can see how much this tournament is growing,” he said. “Of course, it feels a bit different on court, but I think it’s fantastic. And since the system often ruled in my favor, I’m definitely a big fan. I’d love to see it used more often.”

The “Super Tuesday” delivered not just strong Austrian representation but also two big names in Marin Cilic and Fabio Fognini, both former Top 10 players, gracing the Center Court. “Having such a lineup for all four matches on Center Court was a real treat for the fans. Many tournaments would love to showcase names like that,” Leitgeb remarked. “We want to bring headline players here every year. The fact that both were knocked out in three sets in the first round shows just how high the level is at this stage—it’s definitely no walk in the park,” he added with a smile.

Visibility as a Key Factor

The tournament once again attracted strong crowds, even selling out completely on one day. Another fan favorite was the debut of the “One Point Challenge,” which was fully booked with 32 participants and proved to be a fun and engaging success. “It was a fantastic initiative. It’s important to us to create opportunities for fan interaction,” Leitgeb explained. “It’s really cool when fans can actively take part and play on a top-quality court that just hosted professional matches.”

Behind the scenes, everything ran smoothly thanks to 36 outstanding ball kids and around 60 dedicated volunteers. “They’re one of our most important assets. They embody our values and understand our vision—you see that every single day. They carry that vision forward and outward, and that’s what makes Mauthausen so special,” said Leitgeb, emphasizing the importance of service and visibility. “During the tournament week alone, we distributed around 1,600 images nationally and internationally. That’s crucial for building our tournament’s brand long-term, and it allows us to promote and highlight our loyal sponsors and partners.”

Looking Ahead with Momentum

The good news came even before the tournament started: the Danube Upper Austria Open powered by SKE is here to stay. It’s already confirmed to continue at least until 2027, securing another two years. “We’ve built a truly top-class tournament, positioning ourselves in the upper tier of Challenger events—and we’re far from finished,” Leitgeb concluded. “I believe we’re on the right track. And the best part: the journey continues. Especially with our loyal partners, who not only support us financially but also actively contribute. It’s truly a win-win for everyone involved.”